Q. What cities do you service and install graduation and wedding tents?
A. Bridgeport, Canastota, Camden, Cazenovia, Chittenango, Cicero, Cleveland, Clinton, Constantia, East Syracuse, Fayetteville, Hamilton, Herkimer, Holland Patent, Manlius, Minoa, New Hartford, Rome, Taberg, Utica, Vernon, Verona, Sherrill, and Syracuse.

Q. What is the normal ‘weekend’ rental period?
A. Our normal ‘weekend’ rental period is from Friday to Monday. Installation would take place on Friday, and tear down would take place on Monday. A ‘weekday’ rental would be for a 3 day period, with set up the day before the event and tear down the day after the event. If you need any items longer than that, please call our office for more information.

Q. What size tent will I need?
A. This list is approximate:

Q. How much space will I need for the tent?
A. You will want to measure your area where the tent will go. You must add 5’ around the perimeter of the tent to allow for ropes and stakes. For example, if you need a 20’ x 40’ tent, you will need a minimum area of 30’ x 50’. The area should be free of any obstacles such as trees, fences, rocks, swings, etc. and should be fairly flat in nature. Depending on the size of the tent, a height clearance of 15′ – 18′ is required for installation.

Q. Frame tent or pole tent?
A. A pole tent is held up by tension and requires anywhere from 12-40 stakes, depending on the size of the tent. A frame tent is free standing with no center poles and requires minimal staking. If the tent is going on a patio or asphalt and cannot be staked, you will want to get a frame tent. Frame tents may also be secured with water barrels. (Water barrels cannot be used on pole tents.)

Q. Will I need sidewalls?
A. That’s up to you. Sidewalls are nice to block out the wind, for privacy, or to block out an unwanted view of your neighbor. But, it will also raise the temperature under the tent by 10-15 degrees. Sidewalls are not included in the price of the tent and are available in either solid or windows.

Q. What about a heater?
A. If you are planning an early spring or late fall event, it may be necessary to heat the tent. Heaters are available for various size tents. Please refer to the website or call our office for more information.

Q. Set up and delivery included?
A. Set up of the tent is included in all our pricing. Table and chair set up is available for an additional charge. Delivery is included within our local delivery area, however, there is a delivery fee outside this area. Please call for more information.

Q. Can we install the tent ourselves?
A. No, our insurance mandates that all tents be professionally installed by Ralston Supply Center, Inc.

Q. Can someone do a site walk through?
A. Yes, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Q. Does the china, glassware & flatware need to be cleaned before returning?
A. No, that is included in the price of the rental. We do ask that all food particles be cleaned and that all dishes, etc. be returned to the rack they were delivered in.

Q. Are linens available for rent?
A. There are many colors and sizes available. We invite you to visit our showroom or call our office for more information.

Q. Do you carry dance floors?
A. Yes. Please refer to our website or call our office for more information.

Q. Will I need a permit?
A. That depends on your municipality. Please check with your local office to see what your responsibility is in the area.

Q. When should I reserve the equipment?
A. Once you have your date set, you should reserve right away. For a wedding or graduation, we suggest you reserve as much in advance as possible to assure your reservation.

Q. Do you charge a damage waiver?
A. Some of our products do require a damage waiver fee. Please call our office for more details.

Q. How should I prepare my yard and should I cut my lawn?
A. Please make sure your yard is free of obstructions, such as furniture, plants, children’s toy, vehicles, etc. Your grass should be cut approximately 2-3 days before we deliver your tent. If the grass is cut the day before, it will stain our equipment as we have to lay it down on the ground during our install. Also, grass will wear better if it is longer. If your party is on a Saturday, you should mow your lawn no later than the Wednesday or Thursday before.

Q. Will I need to be present at delivery?
A. As long as the paperwork is in order and we know exactly where the equipment is going to be placed, you do not need to be present. Should questions arise, we will need all contact information in order to reach you. Payment arrangements can be made prior to delivery.

Q. How can I place my order?
A. You may place it through our website or call our office at 315-697-3135. When calling our office, we can check availability, confirm pricing and answer any questions you might have. We will mail you out a contract or you may stop in to sign it and place your deposit. You can download a sample contract here.

Q. What form of payment is accepted?
A. We accept cash, check, money orders and all major credit cards. A 50% deposit is required to reserve equipment and the balance is payable on or before delivery.

Q. Is there a cancellation fee?
A. There is a 25% cancellation fee.

Q. What about changes to my order?
A. Additions to an order are welcome pending availability. Please allow us 5-7 business days for any changes. There may be a charge for any last minute changes made the week of delivery as these changes affect the way we pull our inventory and load our trucks.

Q. What are your business hours?
A. Our office and showroom is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Q. Are you insured?
A. Yes, we are fully insured.

Q. Do you have an emergency phone number?
A. Yes, we have staff on call every weekend. The emergency number will be given to you upon your reservation and again at delivery.

Suggestions:
 

• It is usually best to set up your chairs on the day of your event. Pollen and dust can build up if you set them up too far ahead of time. Your guests will find that they could be sitting on dirty chairs.

• It is very important to keep all equipment under our tent or stored in a garage/building to keep it out of inclement weather.

• Make sure you can identify where any underground utilities may be located. If you are not sure, please call Dig Safe NY at 1-800-962-7962.